This trend is hitting retailers hard as the most popular products are easily obtained direct from manufacturers, service providers or less expensive online outlets.

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The U.S. does not maintain standards for organic cosmetics and soaps, so Dr. Bronner's went to the federal Department of Agriculture, which regulates farm goods, and obtained a seal for its products.

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Life insurers' biggest-selling product of the late 1980s was annuities offering fixed rates much higher than could be obtained from other fixed-income products.

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In furtherance of her scheme, Gomez obtained fraudulent reimbursements or credits for products she falsely claimed to have purchased for the Convent and its nuns.

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